Terminology About Adult/Continuing Education: A Preliminary Structure and a Suggested Development Process.

Gideon, Victor C.; And Others

This feasibility study of terminology, the first step in attempting to resolve some of the communication problems in adult/continuing education, describes the process used and reflects the current conditions in this area. In researching terminology use, attention was directed to current concepts; the extent of agreement concerning terms and definitions currently in use; the effectiveness of various cooperative processes, with emphasis on the Delphi process; and related factors. Part I focuses on background information and an overview of the project. Part II describes the participants, the context, and the objectives, along with a detailed history of the developmental process and of the various encounters and interrelationships that occurred. Part II presents a conceptual model of adult/continuing education. In the conceptual model, the educational process is presented as a dynamic system consisting of four basic processes--appraisal, facilitation, participation, and learning. Four basic recommendations are offered to facilitate the continuing work on the development of a terminology handbook. They are: expand the interaction between the Office of Education and professional practitioners; proceed with the project, use the Delphi process; and consider future work within the context of the development of an integrated data system for the whole education field. (JS)